taunt

1 of 2

verb

ˈtȯnt 

ˈtänt

taunted; taunting; taunts

transitive verb

: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunter noun

tauntingly

ˈtȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈtän-

adverb

taunt

2 of 2

noun

: a sarcastic challenge or insult

Did you know?

Taunt vs. Taut

Taunt and taut may easily be confused. The words are similar in spelling and pronunciation, though the resemblance does not extend to their syntax or meanings. Taut is an adjective that is most often used to refer to something that is pulled tight, like "a taut rope," or is bulging or filled to capacity, like "taut muscles." Taunt is a noun and a verb that refers to teasing or making fun of a person. That the two words sound similar creates confusion, and taunt, being the more common word, is sometimes substituted for taut. You can remember the difference between the two by remembering that tight and taut both lack the n of taunt.

Synonyms of taunt

Verb

• tease
• mock

Choose the Right Synonym for taunt

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of.

ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of taunt in a Sentence

Verb

The boys continually taunted each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The ancient namesake ammunition detailed by researchers at Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona is only the latest example of Roman soldiers’ penchant for taunting their enemies from afar. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

On the bridge, Sam taunts his brother before getting sucked out a hole in the observation window, graphically. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 July 2026

Noun

Recounting her boyfriend calling the police on her during their fraught break-up, the chorus rings out over rowdy snares like a brutal playground taunt. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Lashlee took plenty of heat for this in the comments section, as droves of JMU fans flooded On3 reporter Brett McMurphy's post with taunts and jeers. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt — more at tempt

First Known Use

Verb

1539, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1527, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for taunt

• daunt
• flaunt
• font
• gaunt
• haunt
• jaunt
• pont
• vaunt
• want
• avant
• croissant
• detente

Kids Definition

taunt

verb

ˈtȯnt, 

ˈtänt

: to provoke or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunt noun

taunter noun

tauntingly

-iŋ-lē

adverb